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Details continue to emerge regarding the background of Jihad Al-Shamie, known to be a 35-year-old UK national of Syrian descent.

Al-Shamie reportedly entered the UK as a young child and received British citizenship in 2006, when he was around the age of 16.

He lived in Prestwich, Manchester, and his family recently released a statement saying: "We completely distance ourselves from this incident and convey our deep shock and sorrow over what has happened.

"Our sympathies and thoughts are with the those affected and their families, and we hope for their fortitude and solace."

Residents in Prestwich portrayed Al-Shamie as a fitness devotee who rarely engaged with his neighbors.

It was mentioned he would occasionally dress in western clothes and other times in "traditional" Syrian garments.

What has his relatives say?

On behalf the Al-Shamie family both domestically and internationally, Faraj Al-Shamie commented: "Reports from Manchester regarding the violent act aimed at a place of Jewish worship has been a profound shock to us.

"Our family in the UK and abroad strongly condemns this atrocious deed, which targeted non-combatant individuals.

"We fully separate ourselves from this assault and express our deep shock and sadness over what has transpired. Our hearts and sentiments are with the victims and their kin, and we wish for their strength and peace.

"We kindly request that all media outlets honor the privacy of the family during this extremely challenging time and refrain from using this sad occurrence in any manner that does not represent the facts.

"May God have mercy on the blameless individuals, and we pray for the swift recovery of the wounded."

What were neighbors observing?

Geoff Haliwell resides close to a residence in Langley Crescent, Prestwich, that is believed to be the Al-Shamie family home. It was raided by police officers on Thursday.

Mr Haliwell, 72, explained the property used to be on his window-cleaning round and he was acquainted with the wider family "a little", saying they were "pleasant individuals".

"I was taken aback, I felt stunned," he said, adding that he believed the Al-Shamies relocated to the street about 15 years ago.

He indicated the father had resided there for several years but then departed from the residence, subsequently returning in a car with French number plates.

He observed Jihad Al-Shamie would at times be seen in modern clothing and on other occasions conventional Syrian dress. He also said Al-Shamie would utilize public seats to exercise.

He continued: "I encountered him at least once or twice a weekly, we just said 'hello'.

"I didn't even know his identity.

"He was just a straightforward, ordinary lad, nothing would stand out to make you suspect he was anything unusual."

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Another neighbour remembered a infant also residing at the location but could not recall seeing a woman living there.

She said: "We used to see him outside in the yard working out, lifting weights, press ups.

"He frequently altered his outfits.

"On one occasion he would be dressed in the full-length robe, reaching the ground and the following day denim and pyjama bottoms."

Another resident informed the Daily Telegraph: "I recognised him from the pictures of the attacker. I recognised his little car, the Kia, because he'd consistently park it incorrectly near our home.

"I observed him strolling in his pyjamas and casual footwear, holding a bag from stores.

"He was quite bulked-up and used to keep his fitness equipment in his car port. I noticed them there."

"He never seemed to talk to anybody in this vicinity," they added.

Was he known to authorities?

The individual's identity has not appeared in initial searches of law enforcement and security service databases, and he is not believed to have been subject to ongoing scrutiny.

Additional inquiries are under way to see if he appears anywhere records of previous probes.

There are reports Al-Shamie was previously employed as a tutor educating in the English language and coding, and his father is a medical doctor.

The interior minister Shabana Mahmood said she was "taken aback" by the name of the assailant.

Speaking on a radio station, Ms Mahmood was asked about the individual's name, Jihad Al-Shamie, which presenter Nick Ferrari translated as "struggle of the Syrian".

She responded: "I was very surprised to discover that name myself.

"In fact, as a follower of Islam, I've never heard anyone being called Jihad, but it is the name that he was born with - that has consistently remained his name."